The ICC T20 World Cup has long been a platform for cricket’s rising stars to showcase their talent on a global stage. This year is no exception, with several young players poised to make a significant impact. Here are five young cricketers to watch at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup:
Yashasvi Jaiswal: India
India’s brightest young talent, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has made waves in both the longest and shortest formats of the game. The 23-year-old’s journey from humble beginnings to cricket stardom has endeared him to fans, but it is his skill and fearless batting that have truly captured the limelight. Since making his T20 international debut, Jaiswal has amassed over 500 runs in 17 matches, boasting an impressive average of 33.4 and a high strike rate of 161. His T20I career already includes a century and four half-centuries.
Jaiswal is expected to open the innings for India alongside captain Rohit Sharma. If India is to win their first T20 title in 17 years, much will depend on Jaiswal’s performance at the top of the order.
Saim Ayub: Pakistan
In Pakistan, a country known for thrusting young players into the deep end, Saim Ayub’s introduction to international cricket came at 21. Despite showing promise, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the playing XI, partly due to his form and the established opening partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Saim’s experience in the West Indies could prove invaluable in the T20 World Cup. He played a crucial role in the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ triumph in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League, scoring 52 in the final and finishing second on the batting charts. His ability to hit unconventional big shots and his experience in Caribbean conditions might make him a key player for Pakistan.
Will Jacks: England
Will Jacks debuted for England as an off-spinner in 2022, but he is now better known for his batting prowess, particularly following his success in the Indian Premier League. The 25-year-old all-rounder averaged 33 with a strike rate of 175 in the IPL and continued his form with 57 runs in two matches in England’s recent T20 series against Pakistan.
Batting at the crucial one-down position, Jacks brings stability and power to England’s lineup. His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset as England aims for their third T20 World Cup title.
Matheesha Pathirana: Sri Lanka
Matheesha Pathirana, with his unique low, slingy fast-bowling action, has often drawn comparisons to Lasith Malinga, who has praised the young bowler’s fearlessness and skill. Pathirana, 21, has taken 28 wickets in 18 international matches for Sri Lanka. His standout performances in the IPL, where he claimed 13 wickets in six games, have further enhanced his reputation. Known for his pace and yorkers, Pathirana could be Sri Lanka’s main weapon with the ball.
Rishad Hossain: Bangladesh
Rishad Hossain may not be a household name, but the 21-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder has quietly built a reputation for his economical bowling and ability to contribute with the bat. In 17 T20 matches, Hossain has taken 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7, a notable feat in the big-hitting format.
Hailing from Rangpur, Hossain could find the slow pitches in the Caribbean to his liking, potentially leading Bangladesh to the knockout stages. His ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets makes him a player to watch.
These five young cricketers have the potential to light up the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, demonstrating that the future of cricket is bright. Each player brings a unique set of skills and experiences that could prove pivotal in their team’s quest for glory.
